LCM-3

LCM-3

The LCM-3 (Loricatus Certaminis Machina) is an amphibious infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) originally developed by the Empire of Exponent and later adopted by the Blackhelm Confederacy. Designed in the late 1980s and entering service in 1990, the LCM-3 was intended to improve the firepower, mobility, and protection of Exponent's mechanized infantry forces. After the fall of the Empire of Exponent in 1996, the Blackhelm Confederacy continued production of the vehicle at the Redemption Vehicle Plant (RVP), which remains the primary manufacturing site to this day.

Development History

The development of the LCM-3 began in the late 1980s under the auspices of the Empire of Exponent's military modernization program. The vehicle was designed to replace aging IFVs and provide enhanced capabilities for mechanized infantry units. The LCM-3 was engineered with a focus on versatility, allowing it to operate effectively in both conventional and amphibious warfare. The vehicle entered service with the Exponent Armed Forces in 1990 and quickly became a key component of the Empire’s military. Following the Empire's collapse in 1996, the newly formed Blackhelm Confederacy inherited the LCM-3 and continued its production at the Redemption Vehicle Plant (RVP). Over the years, the LCM-3 has undergone several upgrades to meet the evolving demands of modern combat.

Design

The LCM-3 features a welded aluminum alloy hull with composite armor inserts, providing a balance between protection and mobility. The vehicle is amphibious, capable of crossing water obstacles at a speed of 10 km/h, thanks to its hydropneumatic suspension and waterjets.

Armament

The primary armament of the LCM-3 is a 100 mm L/55 2A70 rifled gun-launcher, which can fire both conventional rounds and anti-tank guided missiles. This gives the LCM-3 the ability to engage both armored vehicles and fortified positions from a distance. The secondary armament includes a 30 mm 2A72 autocannon, effective against infantry and light vehicles, and a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun for close-range defense. The gunner is provided with a sophisticated fire control system, which includes a laser rangefinder, ballistic computer, and thermal imaging, allowing for accurate targeting in various conditions.

Mobility

The LCM-3 is powered by a V8 turbocharged diesel engine producing 500 hp, enabling a top speed of 70 km/h on roads and 45 km/h off-road. Its hydropneumatic suspension system provides a smooth ride across rough terrain and enables the vehicle to adjust its ground clearance when needed. The vehicle's amphibious capability is supported by two waterjets, allowing it to traverse rivers and coastal waters without preparation. This feature, combined with its mobility on land, makes the LCM-3 highly versatile in diverse combat environments.

Countermeasures

The LCM-3 is equipped with various countermeasures to protect it from threats on the battlefield. These include smoke grenade launchers, an automatic fire suppression system, and optional reactive armor kits to provide additional protection against anti-tank weapons. In later variants, such as the LCM-3D, electronic warfare suites have been added to jam enemy targeting systems and enhance the vehicle's survivability against modern threats.

Operational History

Since its introduction in 1990, the LCM-3 has seen extensive service with both the Empire of Exponent and, later, the Blackhelm Confederate Armed Forces. It has been deployed in various conflicts, proving its effectiveness in both conventional and asymmetric warfare. The vehicle remains in active service, with ongoing upgrades ensuring its relevance in modern combat. The LCM-3 has also been exported to several allied nations, where it has been adapted to meet specific operational requirements.

Variants

• LCM-3A: The original production model, used by the Empire of Exponent, featuring standard armor and weaponry.
• LCM-3C: Command variant with enhanced communication systems and a command suite for battlefield coordination.
• LCM-3M: Mortar carrier variant equipped with a 120 mm internal mortar system for indirect fire support.
• LCM-3D: Digitalized variant with upgraded electronics, targeting systems, and improved armor, introduced by the Blackhelm Confederacy in the mid-2000s.

Operators

• Blackhelm Confederacy: Primary operator since 1996, with the vehicle forming a key part of the military’s mechanized forces.
• Empire of Exponent (defunct): The original operator until its dissolution in 1996.